FLYING NZ Regional and National
Competition Judging Manual
Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging
Effective August 2014 - July 2015
www.flyingnz.co.nz
Table of Contents
Mission Statement .................................................................................................................................. 3
Section 1: Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 4
Section 2: Club Competitions ............................................................................................................ 4
Section 3: Regional Rallies and National Competitions ..................................................................... 5
Section 4: Australia- NZ Trans-Tasman Wings Competition .............................................................. 5
Section 5: Air Ground Judging of FLYING NZ Competitions ............................................................. 5
Section 6: Safety ............................................................................................................................... 6
Section 7: Briefings for Judges and Competitors ............................................................................... 8
Section 8: Responsibilities of Ground Judges ................................................................................. 10
Section 9: Specific Requirements for Individual Competitions ......................................................... 13
Section 10: Organisational Charts ................................................................................................... 14
Section 11: Feedback ..................................................................................................................... 15
Section 12: Disputes ....................................................................................................................... 15
Section 13: Risk and Legal Implications .......................................................................................... 15
Section 14::Judging Hints ............................................................................................................... 15
Appendix A – Feedback Form ........................................................................................................ 16
Appendix B – Briefing document for Flying NZ National and Regional Competitions ....................... 17
#Note: Royal New Zealand Aero Club Inc (RNZAC) Operating as Flying NZ.
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 2
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide safe, unbiased assessment of
flying skills as written in the FLYING NZ
competition rulebook, while maintaining
the “fun” element.
August 2014
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 3
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
FLYING NZ and associated Member Clubs have, since inception, relied on the voluntary skills and services of a
large resource of Flight Instructors and experienced persons to manage and judge at organised flying
competitions. This involvement has applied to all levels of competitions including, training and event judging from
Club level through to International events.
FLYING NZ considers that both the financial and time investment made by competitors is very high and needs to
be protected in some way by ensuring that the judges’ skills are maximised. This manual has been created with
the aim of assisting Air and Ground Judges in achieving a highest possible standard in competition judging.
A further aim of this manual is to assist Flight Instructors and Club Staff in the managing and judging of Club
competitions which is assumed as the entry level for all competitors. The successful management of Club events
will, we consider, also lead to efficiently- run competitions at Regional, National and International levels.
SECTION 2
CLUB COMPETITIONS
Most Aero Clubs from time to time conduct their own internal Club competitions. These events may encompass
perhaps one or two individual competitions that may be either FLYING NZ Rule based or of the Club’s own style.
Spot Landing competitions have proved popular and easy to manage for many years. FLYING NZ has always
supported this type of managed flying since it not only improves pilot skills but also supports the bonding of the
individuals that make up the Club itself.
The following is a checklist that may be useful for Flight Instructors, Club Staff and Members when conducting
such events. While the checklists may not be exhaustive, the aim of using such lists we consider to be a prime
part of the culture when managing these events.
1. Prior to Conducting Club Competitions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Check pilot currency on type and licence validity
Check the aircraft airworthiness
Check aircraft insurance to see if waivers exist for the type of flying involved
Check the ownership of the venue airfield including any imposed conditions and permissions required
Check the venue airfield suitability for all types used - including ferry of competitors to and from venue
Check the weather from 2 days out and consider the ability of your least experienced pilot
Consider any unusual aspects of the operation - neighbourhood noise, aircraft re-fuelling, heat
exhaustion of pilots, catering and any other local issues
h. Check that all Ground and Air Judges are familiar with the competition rules and have copies of the
judging sheets
2. On the Day of Competitions:
a. Allow adequate time to brief the judges & competitors.
b. Check to see that plenty of food and water is available to pilots throughout the day
c. Give precise instructions to the judges as to where result sheets are to be deposited and to what
stage score sheets are to be completed
d. Allow sufficient time to clean up the venue after use - this includes trash and any obstructions that
may have temporarily been placed on the field in order to conduct the event
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
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SECTION 3
REGIONAL RALLIES AND NATIONAL COMPETITIONS
The planning, organisation and responsibilities of the Regional and National Competitions are found in, the
FLYING NZ Regional and National Competition Guidelines document. Other documents available are the Human
Resource Management Policies and Procedures, Safety and Risk Mitigation, Emergency Plan at the Flying NZ
Competitions and the FLYING NZ Complete Competition Rule Book. These are all available from the Flying NZ
website www.flyingnz.co.nz
SECTION 4
AUSTRALIA vs. NZ TRANS TASMAN WINGS COMPETITION
The Trans Tasman Wings competitions (PACIFIC WINGS) are held each year with the venue alternating between
Australia and New Zealand. The Competition Rules for the Australia vs. New Zealand Trans Tasman Wings
Competition can be found on the Flying NZ Website www.flyingnz.co.nz
SECTION 5
AIR & GROUND JUDGING OF FLYING NZ COMPETITIONS
Flight Instructors and Ground Assistants are either invited or volunteer for the judging of FLYING NZ
Competitions. The Competitions may be at Club, Regional, National or International level. Flying NZ considers
that all Competitors should be given the best possible chance to be assessed by competent judges. The aim of
this manual is to maximise the standards of judging by training judges to be well informed and thus widening the
base number of informed judges.
Responsibilities of Air Judges
1
Eligibility of Competitor
Significant responsibility is placed upon the Air Judge in Competitions. With the many and varied events usually
conducted during the course of a single day, little time is available to check on the items that may be normally
thoroughly checked during normal flight training. If an Air Judge is assuming Pilot in Command responsibilities
during a Competition flight, the following items should be checked prior to commencement of the event:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Aircraft Maintenance Release to Service/Techlog
Conditions of Hire – Insurance
Type Rating – Currency on Type
Aircraft Insurance – It is essential to obtain an assurance that full cover is maintained if an aircraft is
to be used by pilots or judges other than those from the club that owns the aircraft.
e. Competitor eligibility at time of the Regional Rally
f. Completion of pilot in command declaration form
g. Minimum flight speed as indicated or calculated from the flight manual
h. Competitor attended the Briefing
i. Judges Signature on the Score Sheets, this normally near the bottom of the Score Sheets.
2
Competition Specific Items
a. Pilot licence & medical validity of the competitor (Note: Many FLYING NZ Regional Rally and National
Competitions that involve an Air Judge, have dispensed with the requirement that the competitor
holds a licence and/or medical certificate. Reference should be made to the appropriate section in the
“General Conditions” section of the official rules.
b. Approved Ratings for Aerobatics – especially for low level aerobatics.
c. Approved Ratings for formation flying
d. In all competitions where an Air Judge is in the aircraft, the marking clipboard should be secured
below 300ft and takes control if in the opinion of the Air Judge is a necessity. The score sheet
elements below 300ft can be completed once airborne in the case of a touch and go, or once on the
ground for a full stop landing.
e. In all competitions flight speed as indicated below the minimum displayed in the flight manual will be
an immediate disqualification for that attempt.
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
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f.
In the case of any disqualification this should be clearly marked on the marking sheet with detailed
reason for the disqualification.
g. When a disqualification occurs the marking sheet should still be completed in its entirety in case of an
appeal.
h. If a disqualification occurs the competitor should be advised in a friendly manner at the aircraft park
as a debrief with reason given.
i. It is expected that if any manoeuvre becomes unsafe or is outside of the operation manuals design
limits for the aircraft that the Air Judge will take early actions to remedy the problem and prevent a
potential incident.
j. Only the aspects of the flight on the score sheet are to be taken into account when judging.
k. Under no circumstances are scores or flight assessment to be discussed with anyone other than
Event Director, Officer in Charge Flying, Chief Air Judge, and Scoring Room personnel.
l. Some competitions have special requirements-please refer to the individual competition listed in
Section 9 Specific Requirements for Individual Competitions of this document.
3
Radio
a. If suitably qualified, the Air Judge shall assume control of all radio work during competition events and
also be responsible for the safe air navigation of the aircraft during competitions.
4
Pilot in Command
a.
Where an Air Judge assigned to a Competition is a Flight Instructor as defined under the privileges
assigned in Rule Part 61 of the CAA Rules, the flight shall be logged as a dual flight.
b. The Air Judge shall only assume control when it is considered that the continued safe conduct of the
flight is threatened in any way.
5
Marking Sheets
a. Where possible, the Air Judge should make themselves familiar with the marking sheet for the
competition prior to the date of the rally or competitions.
SECTION 6
SAFETY
On the Ground
a) LANDING GRID – All Ground Judges
Will wear ‘hi-viz’ jackets when on duty.
Will remain no closer than 10 metres from the edge of the grid.
Will be standing when an aircraft approaches the grid and completes a landing.
Will be warned of approaching aircraft through the use of a whistle or other sound device when the aircraft
is on late final.
v) The Chief Ground Judge will maintain a ‘listening watch’ on aircraft movements through the use of a VHF
receiver/scanner.
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
b) LIFERAFT/BOMBING TARGET – All Ground Judges
Will wear ‘hi-viz’ jackets when on duty.
Will remain clear of and well to the side of the target when an aircraft is making an approach.
Will not approach the target until the bomb/liferaft has come to rest on the ground.
Will be standing when an aircraft approaches the target and dispatches a liferaft or bomb.
Will be warned of approaching aircraft through the use of a whistle or other sound device when the aircraft
is on approach.
vi) Will maintain a ‘listening watch’ on aircraft movements through the use of a VHF receiver/scanner.
vii) The officer in charge of the target will control movement to/from the target.
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
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c) OFFICIALS and SPECTATORS
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
Must not enter ‘no-go’ area – landing grid judges’ Area, liferaft/bombing Area.
Must obey the instructions of all officials.
May not pass beyond the safety barrier(s).
Must wear name badges in a visible position when on the airfield.
Must exercise reasonable caution when moving about the airfield – especially in aircraft movement areas.
Must move to/from the spectator Areas as directed at the main briefing.
d) PILOTS
Must attend the official briefing or, if this is not possible, be personally briefed by the Officer in Charge of
Flying.
i) Must be aware of the hazards imposed when:
(1) Starting engines.
(2) Taxiing.
(3) An official approaches their aircraft at any time.
e) AIRCRAFT
1) ON THE GROUND
An Aircraft shall not be operated in such a way that would send prop blast into any hangar, at another
aircraft or at any person.
(i)
Trained and authorised personnel may only carry out hand propping.
(ii)
Must not be taxied at speeds faster than a fast walk.
(iii)
Must not be taxied within confined Areas without the assistance of at least one “wing-man”.
(iv)
Shall be fuelled by authorised personnel only.
(v)
Shall be “earthed” during refueling operations.
(vi)
Engines must be stopped during the uplifting or depositing judges or passengers.
(vii)
SMOKING – there shall be no smoking in the aircraft park or any aircraft movement Areas.
ALL PERSONS AT ALL TIMES SHOULD BE AWARE THAT AN AIRFIELD IS A RESTRICTED AREA
THAT PRESENTS HAZARDS-SAFETY PRECAUTIONS MUST BE OBSERVED AT ALL TIMES
2) IN THE AIR
The importance of Flight Safety cannot be over-emphasised.
(i)
(ii)
RADIO: All competing aircraft involved in circuit competitions must be radio equipped.
All NORDO aircraft joining the circuit must carry out a standard overhead rejoin.
BE AWARE THAT THERE COULD BE SOME AIRCRAFT OPERATING UP TO 500’
ON THE NON-TRAFFIC SIDE
(iii)
RADIO calls by circuit traffic aircraft are to be made:
(a) Downwind – e.g. ‘ABC downwind for the grid ‘touch and go’ or ‘full stop’.
(b) Final – ‘ABC final’.
(c) Forced landing aircraft are to make an additional call –‘ABC (height) commencing forced landing’.
(iv)
LOOKOUT
(a) Because the circuit could be busy at times, a good lookout is essential – this involves
both pilot and judge.
(b) A good working knowledge of the marking sheet will allow for quick allocation of points.
(c) Study the marking sheet well before the competition commences.
(d) Clear left and right prior to commencing turns.
(e) Monitor radio calls from other aircraft.
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
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SECTION 7
BRIEFINGS FOR JUDGES AND COMPETITORS
See Appendix B –Briefing Document for Flying NZ National and Regional Competitions.
Judges’ Briefing



Familarise the judges with all points detailed in the competitors’ briefing.
Provide advice regarding setting competitors at ease.
Familarise judges with points particular to their events.
Competitors’ Briefing



Ensure everyone can hear and see the briefing and any displayed information.
Welcome everyone to the day.
Acknowledge the time and effort competitors have put into preparation.
Points to be covered shall include
A Large Scale Plan of the Airfield showing the following
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
Circuit direction for landing competitions
Runway in use delivering the details and idiosyncrasies
Landing Area for non grid aircraft
Circuit direction for bombing and life raft
Position of checkers if any
Position of spot landing grid
Position of life raft bombing mark
Use of Radio
Threat and Error Management-unusual conditions and activities applicable to the event
Spectator Areas and requirements for safety
Where possible a PA system should be provided
Explain the Specific Requirements for the Following
L.
M.
N.
O.
P.
Q.
R.
S.
T.
U.
Air Traffic Control requirements, or ‘advisory’ service if used
Weather Forecast
Navigation flight planning venue
Instrument Flying Area
Low Flying Area
Aerobatic Limits
Safety Procedures
The procedure to be used for appeals and disqualifications
The position regarding alteration to any competition results
See Section 13 of the Competition Rules for details
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 8
Introduce the Competition Personnel





Introduce the Chief Air Judge and Chief Ground Judge who will speak about specific procedures
Introduce Judges, their competitions and the reporting Area prior to departure
Provide prominent indication points where competitors shall meet Judges for individual briefings
following the main briefing.
Describe the Radio Call to ground at line up including call sign, grid number, competition and
competitor name
All competing Aircraft must give details of pilot, grid number, registration and competition. This
information is only required for grid landings, forced landings, bombing and liferaft dropping
competitions.
Individual Competitor Briefing and Debriefing




Keep in mind for some of the competitions this will be the competitors first time taking part in the
FLYING NZ Competitions and they could be nervous.
Immediately prior to the competition flight, the Air Judge may put the competitor at ease by
providing a brief description of how the Judge intends to carry out the judging procedure.
At the conclusion of the competition, a debrief giving positive comments and friendly advice can be
provided. The latter shall not include the marks allocated by the Air Judge.
Briefing Document that outlines all Areas to be covered in order at each Briefing prior to the
competitions. See Appendix B
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 9
SECTION 8
RESPONSIBILITIES OF GROUND JUDGES
FLYING NZ COMPETITIONS MANAGEMENT – LANDING GRID and LIFERAFT/BOMBING TARGET
The landing grid is an integral part of many FLYING NZ competitions and therefore its efficient management is
essential to ensuring that competitors consider they are being judged correctly. These notes are designed to assist
those responsible for the management of the landing grid to carry out their duties correctly and efficiently.
PERSONNEL
Along with the Chief Ground Judge these are the persons who should be appointed:
LANDING GRID
a. Chief Ground Judge and an Assistant Ground Judge
b. Line Judges 10
c. Fence Judge
d. Scorekeeper
e. Radio monitor/safety observer
LIFERAFT/BOMBING GRID
a. Chief Ground Judge/ Radio monitor & Safety Observer
b. Assistant Ground Judge
DUTIES
CHIEF GROUND JUDGE
The Chief Ground Judge is responsible for the overall management and safety of the landing and bombing / liferaft
grid.
The Chief Ground Judge should:
1) Ensure that the landing grid is marked out correctly, clearly defined for competitors, that the fence is of
regulation height and that all structures and spectator Areas are defined (preferably by a physical barrier)
behind the judges
2) Ensure that the Liferaft/Bombing grid is marked out correctly and that it is not in conflict with the main grid or
any other circuit traffic plus spectator and public Areas, also ensure that a premature or late drop will not
endanger persons or property on the flight line.
3) Ensure that marking sheets and clipboards are in sufficient supply and that officials are familiar with their use.
4) Ensure that there are sufficient personnel to carry out the judging efficiently. In some cases it may be
necessary to compromise on the positioning of line judges if numbers are insufficient to make the
appointments outlined above. Make the necessary appointments of landing grid personnel if not already
done.
IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CHIEF AIR JUDGE AND OFFICER IN CHARGE OF FLYING
a. Ensure that all personnel are fully briefed on their responsibilities and how to carry out their duties efficiently
and effectively.
b. Ensure that all judges are alert and carrying out their duties efficiently throughout the day. Rotating of
duties/positions can assist in this matter.
c.
Ensure that scores are recorded correctly.
d. Ensure that score sheets are dispatched to the person collating scores at regular intervals.
e. Take sole responsibility for answering queries or recording protests.
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
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f.
Make decisions in collaboration with the bounce/rebound judge regarding the type of landing carried out.
(Landing Grid)
g. Make decisions as to whether crosswind landing techniques were required in view of the wind conditions
pertaining at the time such a landing was observed. (Landing Grid)
h. Where any penalty is imposed, the reason must be clearly marked on the score sheet
i.
The Chief Ground Judge is normally positioned opposite the “bull” (50 points) box. During periods of inactivity
the Chief ground Judge should circulate among the line judges to maintain their attention and interest or
answer any queries
j.
A whistle or noise making devise should be used in alerting other judges that a competition aircraft is on
approach.
ASSISTANT GROUND JUDGE
The Assistant Ground Judge will assist the Chief Ground Judge in carrying out their duties. This person will usually
remain in the Area adjacent to the 50 points box but can circulate in order to assist the line judges. Their duties are
divided as follows:
a. Assistant Ground Judge: (Incorrect landing/bounce/rebound judges.) this person is responsible for assisting
the Chief Ground Judge to determine whether incorrect landings, bounces or rebounds have taken place and
that these are reported and the appropriate penalties imposed. Bounces or rebounds can be determined by
noting the hand indications of the line judges. The incorrect landing/bounce/rebound judge should be
thoroughly familiar with all landing grid rules. This person will also observe the windsock/wind indicator when
the competitor’s aircraft is on short final in order to determine whether cross-wind landing techniques are valid
at the time of landing.
b. Scorer: this person holds the score sheets for those competitors in the circuit and records landing scores and
penalties (if any). This person also keeps track of competing aircraft and informs the Chief Ground Judge of
their position especially those on final approach. Special note of the registrations of competing aircraft should
be made.
c.
Radio Operator/Safety Observer: having someone to listen out on the frequency in use assists in keeping the
Chief Ground Judge aware of the intentions of the pilots in the circuit. At times it might be necessary for this
person to offer advice to pilots re conflicting traffic, etc. Special care should be taken in monitoring forced
landing aircraft.
LINE JUDGES
 Line judges are positioned 10 – 20 metres opposite each line and will indicate with their arm(s) the box (es) or
line(s) on which point(s) of touchdown occurred.
FENCE JUDGE
 The fence judge is positioned at one end of the fence and will indicate if any part of the aircraft touched or
passed through the top of the fence line.
SCORER
 Records the scores allotted by the Chief Ground Judge
SAFETY OBSERVER
a. Monitors the radio frequency in use.
b. Notifies the Chief Ground Judge of the aircraft in the circuit and whether they are landing competition
competitors.
c. Maintains a watch for any possible conflicting traffic and broadcasts advice to the aircraft concerned.
ASSISTANT JUDGES LIFERAFT/BOMBING
a. Once the dropped object is stationary and the Chief Ground Judge has given the OK the Liferaft or Bomb
should be collected and its distance from impact to target measured and passed on to the scorer for marking.
b. You may be required to hold up a coloured marker to as a reference for the drop.
c. If both competitions are being run together different coloured markers will be required.
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 11
d. Safety is paramount in this Area and a good lookout and observation of competitor’s location is very
important.
LANDING GRID JUDGES BRIEFING
LINE JUDGES - PROCEDURE
a. Each line judge is responsible for a line on the landing grid and the two boxes (sections of the landing grid)
adjacent to that line. Familiarise yourself with the distance your line is away from the fence line.
b. Stand opposite the line to which you have been assigned. Position yourself approximately 10 - 20 metres
away from the edge of the grid. This allows for a better field of vision and assists in ensuring your safety in
case an aircraft strays from the grid.
c.
Watch the aircraft as it approaches the landing grid and be ready to anticipate its point of touchdown.
d. As it nears the point of touchdown, watch the undercarriage and if it or any other part of the aircraft touches
the ground in the box (es) or on the line for which you are responsible, indicate this by either pointing to the
centre of the box (es) (with arm - or arms if touchdowns occur in adjacent boxes - slightly lowered) or line
(with arm held horizontal) where the touchdown occurred. At the same time the other arm (if not already in
use) should be raised vertically above your head.
i.
NOTE: This indication is given only if the aircraft is airborne before contacting the ground in
the boxes or the line you are observing
ii.
THIS CONTACT WILL BE THE INITIAL POINT OF TOUCHDOWN OR MIGHT OCCUR AS THE
RESULT OF A REBOUND OR BOUNCE WHICH INITIATED IN ANOTHER SECTION OF THE
GRID.
iii.
A rebound occurs when the touchdown points are either within the same box or in adjacent boxes. A
bounce occurs if one or more boxes separate the touchdown points.
iv.
Remember, it is the box (es) or line where the POINT(s) OF TOUCHDOWN OCCUR which you are to
indicate.
v.
If correct indications are given, adjacent line judges will be pointing to the same box.
e. DO NOT BE DISTRACTED BY WHAT THE AIRCRAFT DOES AFTER PASSING YOUR JUDGING AREA.
i.
Concentrate on your judging Area only and continue to indicate the point(s) of touchdown until the
Chief Ground Judge or Assistant Ground Judge tell you to cease indicating.
f.
Refer any spectators with queries to the Chief Ground Judge. Bear in mind that not all spectators will be
familiar with the rules, especially those pertaining to bounces and rebounds.
g. It can be a long day out on the landing grid and at times there will be little to do. Endeavour to maintain your
concentration on the job you are doing. Should you require relief, please make sure you have a replacement
and that that person is familiar with what they have to do. If you leave your post, inform the Chief Ground
Judge of your replacement.
h. Be prepared with sunhat, sunscreen and if possible an umbrella for shade purposes.
FENCE JUDGE


The fence judge will indicate by holding one arm vertically if any part of the aircraft passed below the top line
of the fence.
The arm should not be lowered until the Chief Ground Judge or Assistant Ground Judge signal that they have
recorded the penalty.
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 12
SECTION 9
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIONS
Aero Engine Services Trophy
 Competitor to nominate whether Barrel roll, Roll off the top, Slow roll, and stall turn is to the left or the
right.
Airways Corporation Trophy
 Host club to nominate which three of the five variable elements will be judged. It is advisable to draw a
clear line through the two maneuvers not judged on the marking sheet.
 Host club to nominate which direction the judged turns are to be performed.
 Competitors are not to be advised which maneuvers and turn directions are to be judged until just prior to
start up. At this time is also a good time to advise what height to be climbed to.
Bledisloe Aviation Trophy
 Judges shall direct competitors to the start point only.
 Disqualification can still occur for unsafe flying such as flying into cloud etc.
Civil Aviation Authority
 No competitor should be allowed access to the aircraft before competing.
 An accurate timepiece should be available with seconds display.
Ivon Warmington Trophy
 Aircraft should maintain 500ft AGL until established on finals
Jean Batten Memorial Trophy and Prize
 An accurate timepiece should be available with seconds display for the pre-flight
 Pre-flight checks need not be in the order displayed on the marking sheet
New Zealand Herald Challenge Trophy
 Judges shall direct competitors to the start point only.
 Disqualification can still occur for unsafe flying such as flying into cloud etc.
Rotorua Trophy
 Aircraft should maintain 500ft AGL until established on finals.
A Personnel Organisational Chart for National Competitions follows. Please note this may be
adapted for Area Rallies.
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 13
SECTION 10
ORGANISATIONAL CHARTS
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 14
SECTION 11
FEEDBACK - see Appendix A
Judges should report any points e.g. rules anomalies, marking sheet discrepancies and any other anomalies that have
been noted.
DISPUTES – see General Conditions in Competition Rules
SECTION 12
SECTION 13
RISKS & LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
A Safety Management Risk Analysis is completed daily prior to the commencement of the Competitions.
SECTION 14
(a)
Aircraft Insurance
i.
Hire Risk
ii.
Liabilities of User as Pilot in Command
(b)
Damage to Property
(c)
Third Party Risk
(d)
Occupational Safety & Health
JUDGING HINTS
(a)
Use of the Points System
i.Maximum points should only be awarded for a perfect display of skill
(b)
Points Adjustment
i.Points should only be adjusted if necessary before commencement of the next competitor.
ii.Prior to commencement of a new competitor previous marking sheets should be put to back
of clipboard and not reviewed. It is important to deliver the Score Sheets to the Scoring Room as soon
as practicable.
(c)
Getting Help
i.At all times help can be provided by Chief Air Judge or Event Director
(d)
Judging Errors
i.Errors do occur from time to time. A no blame process is used and prompt remedy is the best policy
ii.In order to facilitate this, early reporting via the Event Director is advantageous.
(e)
Competitor Assistance (prompting)
i.Promoting is not permitted unless expressly indicated in the individual Rules of a Competition.
ii.Any need to prompt should be reflected in the score awarded.
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 15
APPENDIX A
FEEDBACK FORM
DATE.......................................................
NAME................................................................................
ADDRESS..........................................................................................................................................
PHONE..........................................................EMAIL................................................................................
POSITION: (Circle)

Competitor

Air Judge

Ground Judge

Observer

Air Traffic Control
EVENT: (Circle)

Area Rally

Nationals

Wings Trophy

Club Competitions

Competition Practice
COMPETITION ORGANISER..............................................................................................
COMPETITION NAME.........................................................................................................
COMMENT/SUGGESTION...................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
Flying NZ OFFICE USE ONLY
DATE RECEIVED.............................
RECEIVED BY: ....................................................
FURTHER ACTION DATES

Instructor Council........................................................................................

FNZ Executive............................................................................................

Rule Book Inclusion....................................................................................
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 16
APPENDIX B
BRIEFING DOCUMENT FOR FLYING NZ NATIONAL AND REGIONAL
COMPETITIONS
Flying NZ National Championships – ……………… 201
Judges / Competitors Briefing
Event Director
Welcome-Event Director introduces himself
Safety – Is Paramount
 OC Flying is.............................................................
 Chief Air Judge........................................................
 Chief Ground Judge..................................................
 Safety Officer is ………………..........................................
 Accident Controller is ……………….................................
 Grounds movements …………………..............................
 Air movements …………………….....................................
 No unauthorised persons onto the aerodrome movement Areas – aerodrome security must be strict.
 Risk/Hazard analysis – medium and high risk Areas
 Pilot in Command Form- if the Air Judge says go around do so immediately. Pilot in command criteria are
clearly laid out in the Flying NZ rules. Make sure you go through the form for each flight so there is no doubt.
 Where a Safety Pilot is required to allow the competitor to compete and this has been authorised by the
Flying NZ Executive then a Go Pro will be mounted on the Aircrafts dashboard to film the Event inside the
cockpit.
Ground Movements



Ground ops plan and procedures (parking Area, taxiways, etc)
Run-ups ………...........................
Refuelling …………......................
Complaints / Protests




Appeals to be lodged with the Competitions Director
Protests and Complaints should be raised with the Event Director
All rulings will be at Flying NZ’s discretion.
There is a Fee of $50.00 for filing a protest, the fee is refundable if upheld
OC Flying- Officer in Charge of Flying
Air Movements
 Carry enough Fuel for Competition plus legal reserve
 Weather - don’t push it! (Current and forecast conditions?)
 Runway in-use XX (may change i.e. sea breeze)
 Left/right hand circuit pattern
 Circuit and Area frequency – XXX.XX MHz
Form-Briefing/FNZ03
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 17
 Air Judges will make all radio calls – must be short and concise. Omit xxxxxxxx Traffic if busy (if discreet
frequency).
 ATC is not responsible for aircraft
 Basic weather and traffic information may be available from xxxxxxxxxxx. Information may also be given by
xxxxxxxxxx ground if requested. xxxxxx will not be a controlled aerodrome during the event; therefore the
PIC of each aircraft will always retain full responsibility for the safety of aircraft operations.
 Use QFE – circuits comps only and be aware of the QNH
 Low flying Area for PPL/CPL is LFZXXX, or in xxxxxxxx location not below 500’AMSL.
 If Low Flying is at sea level height the competition will be below 500ft
 Commercial traffic …………………………..
 All competitors & judges shall maintain vigilance and good lookout. There will be a high volume of aircraft at
XXXX and within its vicinity.
Circuit Competitions
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



Landing grid on runway XX and XX as per plan
Fence – …………..
Circuit direction – left/right hand?
Use QFE only.
Safety of the grid personnel is critical. If the approach isn’t looking good, make your decision to abort before
it gets dangerous.
 Air Judges decision is final on aborting an attempt
Bombing / Liferaft comps
 Target is located …………………… as per plan
 Heights - bombing 300ft (minimum) QFE, liferaft 200ft (minimum) QFE. Both 500ft QFE downwind
 Air Judges will check and ensure that liferafts, harnesses & bombs are compliant with the Flying NZ Rules
before flying with each Competitor.
 Air Judges shall use their best judgment to determine if the drop will be safely completed due proximity of
buildings, parked aircraft, persons or other obstructions.
 Air Judge will prohibit drop if deemed unsafe in any way
Aerobatics and Streamer Cutting
 Aero’s box is……… as per plan. 1 square kilometre.
 Block clearance available from AA control if required up to 4500’AMSL. Aircraft utilising this Area shall
squawk XXXX and call XX control XXX.XX MHz to request entry into the Area and again upon leaving. There
is no requirement to maintain a listening watch on XXX.XX MHz during the routine. The block clearance will
only be available during competition days during the specified aerobatic time slots.
Formation Flying
 Judging position is …….. as per plan
 The reference line is ………... (usually a runway)
 The minimum height for formation displays is 500’QFE (AGL). Ensure safe height is chosen based upon
surrounding terrain and prevailing weather conditions.
Competition Judging
 Air Judging advice to be sought from the Chief Air Judge.
 Ground Judging advice to be sought from the Chief Ground Judge.
Form-Briefing/FNZ03
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 18
 All Air Judges will be acting under the authority of Flying NZ. It is important that your competitions are
completed in a timely manner with absolute professionalism.
 No discussion is to be entered into with the Judges except by the Appeals Committee or Event Director.
o However at the conclusion of the competition, an air judge may give a
de-brief including positive comments and friendly advice on that competitors flying skills.
o The latter shall not include the marks allocated by the air judge.
Chief Ground Judge
 Spectators must stay within the roped off Area or designated spectator Area
 Only Line Judges allowed at the grid
 Please make yourself available for line judging if you have time
Chief Air Judge
 Any additional comments to add
 Pilot in Command Form
All Competitors when meeting with their Competition Judges at the conclusion of the Main Briefing must
complete the Pilot in Command Form-PinC/FNZ01 before departing the briefing area. This Form will be
collected by a Flying NZ Executive.
OC Flying- Officer in Charge of Flying
As reiterated, safety in all respects is of utmost importance with this Event. Maintaining vigilance through thorough
situation awareness is key. Both competitors and Air Judges must maintain a continuous lookout and listen out. But
importantly too, this Competition should be enjoyable for everyone involved.
Stay safe, have fun and good luck.
FORM BRIEFING/FNZ03
Competition Guidelines for Ground and Air Judging August 2014 - July 2015
Page 19